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Constitution has no place for violence: Kovind

President Ram Nath Kovind said Thursday that there is no place for violence in Constitution, as he remembered sacrifices made by security forces involved in anti-naxal operations in Chhattisgarh.

He also lauded efforts made by people and the government to win over the confidence of youth misguided by the outlawed Maoist movement and to check terror and violence.

“In some parts of the country, few people misguided by naxalism tried to create an environment of violence and fear. Our culture and tradition and, above all, our Constitution do not have any place for violence,” he said.

He was addressing a gathering after dedicating to the nation the newly-built hospital building of Lt Baliram Kashyap Memorial Medical College at Dimrapal village in Chhattisgarh’s Bastar district. The president said he was happy to know that the administration and “sensible people” of the society have won the confidence of misguided youth (referring to naxals).

They have made efforts through non-violence coupled with developmental activities to curb the menace of violence and terror, he said.

He appreciated the Chhattisgarh government and the Centre for their efforts to bring about development in the naxal-affected regions and also hailed people’s support to it.

“I also salute the supreme sacrifices made by the police and paramilitary personnel in naxal-affected regions while ensuring security to people and protecting the state’s integrity,” Kovind said.

“Today is Kargil Vijay Diwas and I also salute the Indian Army and its families for their sacrifices,” he added.

Hailing the state’s Raman Singh government’s development-oriented initiatives in Bastar, the president said the region has witnessed a remarkable transformation, which is evident by roads, educational institutions, Internet connectivity and other facilities set up in the area.